Off-duty Highland Park officer dies from injuries sustained in August shooting

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich - 58 year-old Robert Ball, a reserve officer with the Highland Park police department, died Friday from injuries sustained when he was shot at a neighborhood block party in August.

Investigators say Ball and a friend were co-hosting the party in their neighborhood near Teppert St. and Seven Mile Road in Detroit.

Something spiraled out of control that led to someone opening fire.

It's unclear whether Ball was the intended target, but he was hit three times.

Ball had remained in a medically-induced coma since, and recently had been making significant process.

Then Friday, Ball took an unexpected turn for the worse.

Complications set in. An infection began to spread and could not be stopped. Ball was pronounced dead later that day.

Ball had been with the department as a reserve officer since 2007 and colleagues say he was always there for whatever anyone needed.

"It's tearing us up because we didn't get a chance to say goodbye," painfully recalled by Lt. Jamille Edwards. "Whether it was personal or business, he always had an answer for you and he always made sure he took care of you."

The department is grieving and continues to seek justice for Officer Robert Ball and his family.

There will be a candlelight vigil for Officer Ball Monday, October 17 around 6 p.m. on Teppert Street in Detroit.